Carole Ann Taylor spotlighted as a hospitality trailblazer in Miami-Dade

As part of its Women’s History Month observance, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is spotlighting standout Black- and woman-owned businesses shaping the region’s tourism sector, including Miami To Go, founded by veteran entrepreneur Carole Ann Taylor.

Taylor, president and co-owner of several travel retail and cultural businesses in Little Havana and at Miami International Airport, is being recognized as one of the county’s “Hospitality History Makers.” Her work has helped transform Miami’s retail tourism landscape, with five successful stores now operating at the airport and attracting visitors from around the globe.

She entered the travel retail and duty-free industry in 1987 with the launch of Bayside To Go at Bayside Marketplace. During her time there, Taylor played a key role in securing leased space for more than 25 Black-owned businesses and helped establish the Bayside Minority Foundation, aimed at supporting and financing minority entrepreneurs in Greater Miami.

Driven by the belief that visitors seek authentic cultural experiences, Taylor expanded her footprint with a portfolio of retail brands, including Miami To Go, Little Havana To Go, Miami Concepts, Miami Gifts To Go, Cultures To Go and Destination Concepts. Her influence also extended to the corporate sphere, where she served as a director of Perfumania Holdings, Inc., a company listed on NASDAQ.

Taylor’s impact on Miami-Dade’s tourism sector spans decades. She served on the GMCVB board for more than 30 years before stepping down in 2022 and was among the founders of the organization’s Visitor Industry Council, which promotes education, mentorship and scholarships for students pursuing careers in tourism. She also played a role in establishing the bureau’s Multicultural Tourism Development Department, focused on advancing tourism and business opportunities in historically significant communities.

These initiatives contributed to the development of key programs such as the Tourism Business Enhancement Program and Art of Black Miami, both of which have helped create platforms for minority-owned businesses, artists and entrepreneurs to grow and showcase their work.

“What’s most fulfilling is seeing our communities grow as visitor cultural attractions and the business opportunities that result from GMCVB programs,” said Taylor. “We have every reason to believe that those with creativity, courage and vision can succeed in Miami-Dade County’s hospitality and tourism industries when resources are made available.”

Beyond her business ventures, Taylor has served on several cultural and community boards, including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the Historic Lyric Theater, WDNA 88.9 FM and Viernes Culturales.

In addition to her contributions to tourism and business development, Taylor is also a jazz vocalist, known for reimagining classic standards. Over the years, she has worked with legends such as Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton and currently holds a residency at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach.